Any updates on the Digswell - Woolmer Green bottleneck?

giner · Post by **giner** » Sat Apr 26, 2008 6:50 am

I guess the title says it all. Wasn't some scheme being initiated about ten years ago? Admittedly, I haven't exactly been following with rapt attention, but does anyone have any idea of what's going on re. this stretch of the ECML?

I don't know about you, but the prospect of a doubling of the Viaduct over the River Mimram, unless it's built to the exact specifications of the existing structure, leaves me cold. Even then I have grave reservations about what it would do the aesthetics, if you will, of what is arguably one of the most picturesque sections of the route. Ditto for the northern end of the stretch in question.

I've no doubt that local folk felt much the same way in the 1840's. Okay, I guess I'm a Luddite of sorts.

R. pike · Post by **R. pike** » Sat Apr 26, 2008 7:17 am

It seems to have gone very quiet regarding the works required between Digswell and Woolmer Green Junctions. I get the impression that there is more behind the scenes progress with works further north in connection with the Hitchin flyover.

hq1hitchin · Post by **hq1hitchin** » Sat Apr 26, 2008 11:17 am

Browsing through the current Network Rail RUS (Route Utilization Strategy) for the ECML - a very large document - the quadrupling of Welwyn Viaduct would seem to be ten years off, and I can see no mention of the flyover at Hitchin.

Will make some discreet enquiries on Monday

hq1hitchin · Post by **hq1hitchin** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 8:29 pm

Current railway thinking is that quadrupling of Welwyn Viaduct is not needed at moment, bearing in mind the vast cost to say nothing of changing the landscape, intelligent timetabling can get it up to 18 trains per hour (inc. those calling at Welwyn Nth) in each direction but Hitchin Flyover much more positive - a goer within next 5/10 years?

R. pike · Post by **R. pike** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 9:01 pm

I believe some large signalling firms have looked at the job to quote for it.